Australian Medicinal Cannabis Symposium 2017

The United In Compassion Australian Medicinal Cannabis Symposium 2017 will feature the nation’s first one day course designed by health care practitioners for health care practitioners.

“Medicinal cannabis is now a reality for Australia but the initial growing pains are frustrating, controversial and ill informed,” says United In Compassion (UIC) Founder and Director, Lucy Haslam.

“Consequently, United in Compassion is hosting a major international event in Melbourne which is of interest to patients , health care workers and legislators from all states grappling with cumbersome legislation and lack of expertise.”

A three-day event to be held on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of June at the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre, the Symposium has a packed program; with renowned international and Australian experts attending.

“We welcome the opportunity to take some of the hysteria off the table and replace it with science and medical knowledge from those who possess the expertise rather than those who are ignorant yet vocal,” says UIC.

Among those to speak at the event:

Hon. Jill Hennessy, Victorian Health Minister

Bill Turner – Office of Drug Control

Tim Greenaway – TGA

Margot Johnston Vic. Office of Medicinal Cannabis

Dr David Basser

Dr Greg Gerdeman

Assistant Professor Dedi Meiri

Dr Michele Sexton

Dr Bareket Schiff-Keren

Dr Ilan Linder

Dr Jeffrey Hergenrather

Dr Sussan Sisley

Dr Judith Lacey

The event’s supporters included AusCann, MGC Pharma, Epilepsy Action and the Victorian Government.

“By providing current and accurate information we hope to impact positively on the lives of patients who need better legal access to medicinal cannabis products,” said Ms. Haslam.

Lucy Haslam is a former nurse who began campaigning for access to medical cannabis after her son Don was diagnosed with cancer. While Dan passed away in 2015, Lucy continued her crusade, with her efforts seeing her nominated as a finalist in the the 2016 NSW Australian of the Year Awards.

While Australia’s medicinal cannabis situation is far from ideal, without the efforts of highly motivated advocates such as Ms. Haslam; we may not be even this far along.

Gillian Jalimnson is one of Hemp Gazette's staff writers and has been with us since we kicked off in 2015. Gillian sees massive potential for cannabis in areas of health, energy, building and personal care products and is intrigued by the potential for cannabidiol (CBD) as an alternative to conventional treatments. You can contact Gillian here.